Matt Stott Orchestra Director (772) th St Vero Beach, FL

Transcription

1 Dear Students and Parents, Welcome to the Vero Beach High School Orchestra. Whether you are a returning student, a new member, or a parent or guardian, you are a vital part and will play an important role in the success that we will strive for this year. My request is that all of us approach each day with a great attitude and strong effort. Please take the time to review the policies, procedures, and calendar in this handbook. The final page must be signed by both student and parent and returned to Mr. Stott by Friday, August 17 th. Also, please take the time to visit the updated orchestra web site for further information at I am excited about the potential of this year s students, and I hope for all of us to help them realize it together. Please feel free to call or me at any time during the school year. My contact information is at the bottom of this page. I look forward to meeting you at the ORCHESTRA PARENT MEETING: Wednesday, August 29, 8 PM at the conclusion of open house Sincerely, Matt Stott Orchestra Director (772) th St Vero Beach, FL matthew.stott@indianriverschools.org

2 HOW TO BE AN OUTSTANDING PLAYER PLAN - Develop a flexible plan which establishes priorities and helps you act thoughtfully and knowingly. Desire to be successful Set short and long term goals Revise and redesign Determine what needs work Budget time to achieve goals PRACTICE A well prepared part is something you bring to rehearsal, not something you develop in rehearsal. Nobody knows what you can not play better than you. Take Action to be successful. Physical Activity. Build muscle and musical memory. Repetition. Develop your craft. Develop consistency. Work on what you cannot play. Use a metronome. REHEARSE You do not come to rehearsal to learn your part, you come to learn everyone else s. Doing things together that cannot be done alone. Directed listening and adjusting. Discover the composer s intent. Listen critically. Search for the implied meaning. Solve group problems Evaluate during the process. Ensemble is the audience PERFORM Present a gift that comes from the heart and inspires the soul. Culmination of study and experience Spontaneous creation. Focus and target attention. Non-stop energy flow. Learning is more intuitive. Self monitored listening and adjusting. Formal environment with outside audience.

3 Expectations Whether it is class, rehearsal, or performance, students are expected to be present, prompt and prepared. Scheduling conflicts must be communicated with the director as far in advance as possible. Remember, Early is on time, and on time is late. Attendance (unexcused absence in any class) below 90% will deem that student ineligible to perform. Students are responsible for their instrument at all times. When not in use, your instrument must be locked in its locker. There are a limited number of school instruments for a $75 instrument maintenance fee. Please pay your instrument fee to VBOB, using the web site ( - Keep Rosin, Cleaning Cloth, spare set of strings. - Bows should be re-haired yearly. - Violins and Violas: Must use a shoulder rest - Cellos and Basses: You will need a rock stop - Metronome and Music Stand are highly recommended for home practice. High Quality and Fresh Strings: Use high quality strings on your instrument. (Thomastic Dominant strings are a good example of reasonable high quality) Also, strings should be changed once per year. Fresh strings will greatly improve the tone quality of your instrument. A $50 lab fee is needed for our orchestra to operate at a high level. This fee only covers a portion of what is spent on each student during the year. This allows us to purchase and maintain our uniforms, purchase and provide sheet music, pay MPA fees, provide meals for many events throughout the year, and provide awards for students at the banquet. Please make out your check to Vero Beach High School. Your address and phone number (with area code) must be on the check. Please pay at the parent meeting, where a receipt will be written. Lab Fee Alone = $50. Lab Fee + Instrument Maintenance Fee = $50 + $75 = $125. One of the orchestra s largest expenditure each year is high-quality music literature. The parts assigned to students must be cared for and kept in school-assigned folders. Practice copies will be provided as needed. Students are responsible for numbering the measures on each piece of sheet music. Music in rehearsal and performance folders must remain in the folder. Students in need of music must consult the librarian more than five minutes before the beginning of rehearsal. Organize your practice music. No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the music building, or the PAC. Due to the fragile nature of so many instruments, absolutely no horseplay is allowed in the buildings. See addendum for orchestra rules. Students will be held to the highest standards of attitude and behavior. Disrespect shown to peers, directors, guests, and audiences will not be tolerated. Behavior infractions will be dealt with by the director, parents, and if needed, school administration. Orchestra is a unified, team effort, and all students, no matter where they sit, are equally important. The students seats are at the discretion of the director and will be chosen so as to best benefit the group. Boys: Black tuxedo pants, white tuxedo shirt, black jacket, bow tie, black socks, black dress shoes Girls: Assigned orchestra dress, black closed-toe dress shoes. Acceptable Jewelry: Stud earrings only. Fine necklace with single pendent or pearl necklace. Only fine or thin metal single bracelet. Studs and cuff links for the shirt.

4 Unacceptable Jewelry: Large earrings, hoop earrings, drop earrings, and any large flashy jewelry. Plastic bracelets and snap bands are banned as are large chain necklaces or multiple pendants. * Our performance attire has been provided through fundraising efforts by the Vero Beach Orchestra Boosters. Uniform maintenance is built into the lab fee and is required at the beginning of the school year. This allows us to update and maintain the professional appearance of our orchestras. Students must communicate (in writing) scheduling conflicts in advance. An absence form which can be duplicated is an addendum to this packet and is also on the orchestra web site. Make-up assignments are required in order to receive credit for work missed. These are all considered a privilege, and students must have met performance, attendance and behavior expectations in order to take part. They also must meet minimum eligibility requirements as set by the school district. The entire trip is a school activity. All school rules apply for the duration of the trip. While not required, private lessons are highly recommended for students to reach their full individual potential. See the web site for a list and contact information for private teachers in the area. Check for information, an updated calendar, documents, files and more. This tool allows students and parents to stay in touch with many areas of the orchestra program. Log in with vbhsorch as our group name and enter your student id# for your account. Grades will be determined from the following criteria. See VBHS Mastery Sheet addendum for details Individual Performance Skills (scales, excerpts and musicianship projects) Active Participation and Proper Materials Present and Utilized Practical Application of Repertoire (rehearsals and performances) Accent Assignments Orchestra is a performance-based class, and much of what we do will culminate in public performance. Full performance credit will be given only to those students who arrive no later than the assigned call time, perform at the required performance standard, dress under the assigned code, behave in a professional manner, and remain in attendance until the completion of the performance. All students are required to perform a solo. Students may also prepare an additional ensemble (trio, quartet, etc). See addendum for the Solo & Ensemble form, which is due on Sept. 21. MPA is October Orchestra Calendar - Solo & Ensemble Form - Absence Form - Accent Assignment Information - Living Room Concert Form - Orchestra rules - Contract - SDIRC Anti-Hazing Acknowledgement - PAD Social Media Form

5 August 10 th, 8 AM 5 PM: August 13 th. August 16 th, 2:30-6 PM: August 17 th, in class: September 12: September 21, in class September 21, in class October 6, all day October 22, 2:30-9:00 PM October 23, 7:00 PM: October 27, time TBA: November 1 November 13, 6:30 PM: December 7, 2:30-6:00 PM December 9, 2:00 PM: December 10, 7:00 PM: Jan : Feb , 7, 7, and 2 PM March 5, 7:00 PM March 6, time TBA April April 27, time TBA May 7, 7 PM May 14, 5:30 PM SINFONIA REHEARSALS Aug 23: 2:30-4. Aug. 30: 2:30-4. Sept. 6: 2:30-4. Sept. 13: 2:30-4. Sept. 20: 2:30-4. Sept. 27: 2:30-4. Oct. 4: 2:30-4. Oct. 11: 2:30-4. Oct. 18: 2:30-4. Nov. 1: 2:30-4. Nov. 8: 2:30-4:30. Nov. 15: 2:30-4:30. Nov. 29: 2:30-4:30. Dec. 6: 2:30-4:30. Vero Beach High School Orchestra Calendar (dates are subject to change) Visit the web site regularly to see the updated calendar. Performances will be added. Philharmonic Orchestra Boot Camp. Parents pick up to complete years paperwork. First Day of School Freshmen and Concert Orchestra Boot Camp. Parents pick up to complete years paperwork. All-State Paperwork due to Mr. Stott All-State Audition Taping. At VBHS Concerto Competition Application Deadline (optional) Solo & Ensemble Forms Due. Philharmonic: rehearsals and performance with UCF and EGHS Orchestras Hold open for dress rehearsal(s): If needed and TBA Concert: An Orchestral Spooktacular. All Orchestras. Solo & Ensemble MPA (all students). At IRCHS. (Possible) Orchestra Benefit Dinner/Concert (Philharmonic, Sinfonia, fiddle club) Concerto Competition HOLD OPEN. All Orchestras, Dress Rehearsals if needed VBHS Winter Concert VBHS Winter Concert All-State Clinic-Conference (Tampa only students who successfully audition) School Musical (only students in pit orchestra) Symphony Orchestra Concert District MPA, at VBHS: all orchestras State MPA (possibly one of these dates) Children s Art Festival Performance (Possible) Vero Pops Concert: all orchestras Orchestra Banquet SYMPHONY REHEARSALS Jan. 17: 2:30-4:30. Jan. 24: 2:30-4:30. Jan. 31: 2:30-4:30. Feb. 7: 2:30-4:30. Feb. 14: 2:30-4:30. Feb. 21: 2:30-4:30. Feb. 28: 2:30-4:30 March 4: 2:30-4:30. March 5: Performance March 6: MPA After MPA, TBA. FIDDLE CLUB Every Friday from 2:15-3:30 PM VERO BEACH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Thursday, January 24 th 7:00-9:00 Thursday, February 7 th 7:00-9:00 Tuesday, February 12 th 7:00-9:00 Thursday, February 21 7:00-9:00 Saturday, February 23 rd 1:00-4:00 Concert 1 Sunday, February 24 th Thursday, March 14 th 7:00-9:00 Thursday, March 28 th 7:00-9:00 Thursday, April 4 th 7:00-9:00 Tuesday, April 9 th 7:00-9:00 Saturday, April 13 th 1:00-4:00 Concert 2 Sunday, April 14 th Be inspired by a professional orchestra in Vero Beach: Indian River Symphonic Association Concerts Concerts 7:30 PM at Community Church. Tickets by calling : Jan 18: Brevard Symphony, Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto, Strauss, R-K Jan 25: Shanghai Orchestra: Butterfly Lover s Concerto, Berlioz, Rossini Feb 8: Brevard Symphony: Pops Concert. Feb 14: Russian National Orchestra: Rachmaninov, Chopin. March 12: Brussels Philharmonic: Bruch Violin Concerto. March 17: Brevard Symphony: Irish. April 15: Buffalo Philharmonic, Borodin, Brahms, Prokofiev. Atlantic Classical Orchestra Concerts Concerts 7:30 PM at St. Edwards. Tickets call : Jan 17: Beethoven #3, Grieg Piano Concerto. Feb 14: Appalachian Spring, Sibelius Violin Concerto March 14: Ravel, Falla, Bizet April 4: Shostakovich Cello Concerto, Mendelssohn #5

6 THIS FORM IS DUE SEPTEMBER 21 st. PERFORMANCE IS OCTOBER 27 TH Solo & Ensemble Form DATE: Saturday, October 27 th : LOCATION: Indian River Charter HS. You will be assigned a specific time slot for your performance. WHAT? You will prepare a classical piece in its entirety (or a single movement) and perform it for an adjudicator, who will provide valuable feedback and assign a rating. (Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent, or Superior. Superior with Distinction ) Superior with Distinction may be assigned to truly special performances which are memorized. - Memorize your piece! - Check your piece with Mr. Stott for approval. - You must provide the judge an original part (no photocopies) of your music with the measures numbered) - If your piece has accompaniment, you must perform with an accompanist. - You are responsible for contacting and paying your accompanist. - You must secure an accompanist before turning in this form on September 21 st. Available Accompanists: Suzy Reiser. All levels sreiser@bellsouth.net Please or call Tammy Oostdyk. All Levels. tammyoostdyk@gmail.com Please or text Ryan Kasten. All levels Ryan.kasten@cbparadise.com Text, call or Joanne Knott. All levels jjknott@att.net Please text or . Bonita Clark. All Levels. (esp. advanced) musicdirector@mystandrews.org or text. Sue Lorimier. Beginning and Intermediate. suelorimier@gmail.com Please - If your piece is not memorized, you must also use an original part (no photocopies) for your performance -COST: was included in your lab fee. A sample judge s assessment sheet is located here: STUDENT NAME: SOLO TITLE: COMPOSER/ARRANGER NAME: ACCOMPANIST: Your grade will be determined by your adjudicator s rating: Superior With Distinction = A++ Superior = A+ Excellent = A Good = B Fair = C Poor = D Did Not Play = F CHECKLIST: Piece approved by Mr. Stott Contacted and rehearsed with accompanist Listened to recordings of my piece Original music for myself, accompanist and judge Memorized my music

7 Vero Beach High School Orchestra Absence Form Name: Instrument: Class Period: I request an excused absence from orchestra Rehearsal / Concert on (circle one) / / 20 My reason is (Be specific. What / Where / Why):. Student Signature & date Parent Signature & date Did I call or the director ( , matthew.stott@indianriverschools.org) beforehand? Yes No I have arranged for this student: to take notes and inform me what I miss. I am going to complete the following accent assignment (choose one) a. Practice for the length of the rehearsal. Record my results and submit to Mr. Stott. b. Write a 500 word grammatically correct essay about a piece of music we are studying. c. Listen to complete recordings of the literature we are studying and write a review, including summary on each tune d. Perform a Living Room Concert for your family or friends on two separate days. At least one adult must be present. Perform 3-4 solos you know well at each concert. Turn in two completed Living Room Concert forms. Orchestra Director: I approve this absence. I do not approve this absence. Accent assignment completed: Completed on: Assignment: Director Signature: Date: Director Comments:

8 > Accent Assignment (Choose one of the following each nine weeks) a. Perform a Living Room Concert for your family or friends. At least one adult must be present. Perform 3-4 solos you know well at each concert. Turn in a completed Living Room Concert form. b. Participate on your orchestra instrument in a non-school-related musical group (church orchestra, perform in a retirement home, community orchestra, etc.). Bring in a signed note from a parent. c. Attend a concert and write a 250 word review of it. All concerts must be approved by your director. d. Take regular private lessons on your instrument e. Write a 500 word, grammatically correct essay on the history of your instrument. This may only be done once. f. Write a 500 word grammatically correct essay about a virtuoso performer on your instrument. g. Write a 500 word grammatically correct essay about a piece of music we have/are studying. h. Listen to a complete disk (must be approved by director) and write a review, including summary on each tune

9 Living Room Concert Form Please make additional copies as needed! Performer (student first and last name) Concert Date: Pieces Performed: Name of Piece Last name of Composer Signatures of Audience Members in attendance (at least one adult must be present) Comments: Additional Comments: Living Room Concert Form Please make additional copies as needed! Performer (student first and last name) Concert Date: Pieces Performed: Name of Piece Last name of Composer Signatures of Audience Members in attendance (at least one adult must be present) Comments: Additional Comments:

10 ORCHESTRA RULES 1. Food, Drinks, Gum, and Candy are not allowed in any rehearsal hall or locker room. The first floor hallways may be used as eating areas during second lunch ONLY. 2. Hats may not be worn during rehearsal. 3. Cell phones and other electronic devices may only be used with permission during rehearsal. 4. Students are only allowed in the orchestra room during periods in which they have a scheduled orchestra class. Do not ask your other teachers for a pass to building four. 5. Students are not permitted to hang out in the orchestra office, uniform room, and practice rooms. Practice rooms are for practicing only. Students must have permission from the director to use the practice rooms. 6. Building 4 doors are to be closed at all times. Students are NOT to prop open doors. 7. Students have 2 minutes from the sound of the tardy bell to be in their seat with their instrument, music, and pencil. Shuttle bus students have 3 minutes from the time the bus arrives. Students are required to have their instrument in rehearsal each day Students are required to have their music folder with music in rehearsal each day Students are required to have a pencil in rehearsal each day 8. All students in each class period are required to set up the room for rehearsal each day. 9. Period 7 is required to rack all chairs and stands each day.

11 Vero Beach High School Orchestra Participation Contract Student First Name Student Last Name I, the undersigned parent legal guardian of the above named student, do hereby agree and grant full permission for my student to fully participate in the VBHS Orchestra for the school year I agree to and fully support my student s membership in the VBHS Orchestra and agree that both I and my student will abide by all VBHS Orchestra policies as stated in the official Orchestra Handbook including those as stated in this agreement. I agree for my student to be photographed for approved school purposes. I also acknowledge and understand the IRCSB policies regarding hazing and social media and agree to those terms. I agree that the Hazing Form, Social Media Form, and District Drug Testing Policy must be signed and on file with the orchestra office. I understand and agree that participation in orchestra is for the academic year and agree that my student will fully participate. I agree and understand that all activities of the orchestra including rehearsals, performances, field trips, meetings, and other activities as listed on the orchestra calendar are mandatory unless the student s absence is approved. THEREFORE, I pledge that my student will attend all events and activities as posted and as updated on the VBHS orchestra calendar (located on the VBHS orchestra website and on Charms) Student Contact Information Parent #1 Contact. Parent #2 Contact. Name: Phone: Name: Phone: Emergency Contact. Name: Phone: Physician Name: Phone: Please CIRCLE the appropriate response to the following health related questions and explain if the answer is yes : Does the above named student have (presently or within the past 12 months) the following health related issues or problems? Neck, shoulder or back injuries? Yes No (explain which) Heart, blood pressure, breathing, diabetic conditions? Yes No (explain which) Food allergies? Yes No (please list which) Been restricted from PE, Band, Sports, or other related activities due to an injury? Yes No (list which) List any medical condition that the student may have not covered in the above list and explain. I certify and verify that the above health information is correct to the best of my knowledge and that my student is physically fit and free of any health problems that would prevent them from fully participating and performing in all aspects of the Vero Beach High School Orchestra. Parent - Guardian Statement I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian of the above named student have read, understand, and agree to the terms, conditions, policies, rules, and dates as outlined in this specific contract. In addition, I further agree that I and my student will abide by the policies as stated in the official VBHS Orchestra Handbook, and agree to participate in the events as posted on the VBHS Orchestra Calendar. I acknowledge one of the following statements (check one): I have access to the VBHS Orchestra Handbook and the VBHS Orchestra Calendar located on the internet at and that it is my responsibility to be fully informed and aware of the contents of said handbook and calendar including periodic updates throughout the year. OR It is my responsibility to request a written copy of the VBHS Orchestra Handbook and the VBHS Orchestra Calendar from orchestra office and that it is my responsibility to be fully informed and aware of the contents of said handbook and calendar including periodic updates throughout the year. PARENT OR GUARDIAN PRINTED NAME: PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:

12 SCHOOL DISTRICT OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY ANTI-HAZING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The School District of Indian River County (SDIRC) Board Rule 5.37 prohibits bullying and hazing. Hazing is defined as recklessly or intentionally endangering the mental or physical safety or health of any student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a high school and in accordance with section , F.S. Hazing is prohibited under the SDIRC Code of Student Conduct and discipline of a student engaging in hazing shall be carried out consistent with the SDIRC Code of Student Conduct. I understand that hazing of any type (mental, verbal and physical acts) is not allowed on this campus or in relation to any band, orchestra, chorus or drama activity (on or off campus) in which I am participating. I further understand that it is my responsibility to report any acts of hazing that I become aware of to a teacher or administrator on campus. By signing this acknowledgement, I agree to uphold this SDIRC policy for the entire academic school year and understand that any violation will result in my immediate suspension from the activity in which I am participating and further disciplinary action as outlined in SDIRC policy, procedure and Student Code of Conduct. Printed Name of Student Signature of Student Date Printed Name of Parent Signature of Parent / Guardian Date

13 SOCIAL MEDIA - WEBSITE BEHAVIOR AGREEMENT I,, in making the choice to become a member of the Vero Beach High School Orchestra program agree to set a good example as a leader for Vero Beach High School. I realize that my actions and reputation must be above and beyond reproach. Membership in the Orchestra for Vero Beach High School is a privilege that I will value and respect. Social Media is defined as forms of electronic communication (such as Web sites for social networking and blogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (as videos). Examples include but are not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, My Space, You Tube, and any other similar sites or networks. The following is a list in which I agree to abide by, as long as I am representing the VBHS Orchestra. NOT associate my name with any website or social media source that includes or references Alcohol or Drugs or photos of such. NOT associate my name with any website or social media source that includes or references Profanity of ANY kind, even if abbreviated but implied or photos of such. NOT associate my name with any website or social media source that includes or references Sexual remarks, sexual comments, or sexual pictures. NOT associate my name with any website or social media source that ask personal questions about me that can harm my positive reputation. NOT choose (like) in Facebook or similar site for someone s post that falls into any of the above categories as this is considered in violation. NOT make a (comment) even if the comment is a positive one, in Facebook or similar site for someone s post that falls into any of the above categories is this is considered in violation. WILL immediately delete from your timeline any item you are tagged or associated with in Facebook or similar site without your permission and in which your name is therefore attached to content which violates any of the above categories. Failure to do so in considered in violation. WILL Protect myself by preventing others from tagging me without my permission. UNDERSTAND that violations may be captured (documented) and brought to the attention of and shared with the VBHS Orchestra Staff and/or parent or guardian. This agreement is set in place as a warning, and I realize that if I violate this agreement I will be subject to disciplinary consequences which could include suspension or permanent dismissal from the VBHS Orchestra. I realize that this agreement is not limited to personal websites and that my behavior and reputation as a member of the orchestra is to be highly regarded. Printed Name of Student Signature of Student Date Printed Name of Parent Signature of Parent / Guardian Date